Substance Abuse

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Substance Abuse and Older Adults

Older adults may develop problems related to the abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs and drug/alcohol interactions. Current studies estimate the number of older people with heavy drinking patterns to be at 10%, with 2% to 4% considered alcoholic. Abuse of alcohol and legal drugs (prescribed and over-the-counter medications) affects up to 17% of adults age 60 or older according to a 1998 report produced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

Recognizing Substance Abuse Problems

There are many signs that could indicate a problem with alcohol abuse. However, many of the outward signs such as sleeplessness, tremors, loss of appetite, depression and anxiety disorder may mimic other physical ailments. An alcohol/drug problem can be difficult to detect until it begins to interfere with the tasks of daily life. Because many older adults live alone and are no longer in the workplace, substance abuse is very difficult to identify. Older adults, especially those with recent alcohol abuse, have a better chance of recovery than their younger counterparts. Other factors responsible for the lack of attention to substance abuse in the elderly include shame about use and misuse of substances, along with the reluctance to seek help for such a private issue.